Injection Molding Apparatus Having Aligned Pin and Sleeve and Method of Operation - In an injection molding apparatus having a manifold and nozzle assembly, a pin extends through the nozzle and into a mold cavity to define a product feature of the mold cavity and a sleeve extends through the nozzle and circumferentially surrounds a portion of the pin. The sleeve can be moved for controlling flow of molding material through a mold gate and into the mold cavity. The sleeve is aligned with the mold gate by an alignment portion of the nozzle when actuated to open the mold gate. The pin is aligned in the mold cavity by the sleeve.

2010-01-14

20100007059

METHOD IN SPINNING - A method in spinning including introducing a first solution comprising a polymer, introducing a second solution comprising a biomolecule, combining the first and the second solution into a mixture, treating the mixture with a sonicator to form a spinning solution, and wet spinning the spinning solution.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS - A method for producing three-dimensional objects from a powder material which is capable of solidification by irradiation with a high-energy beam is disclosed. The method comprises homogeneously pre-heating the powder material by scanning with the high-energy beam along predetermined paths over a pre-heating area so that consecutive paths are separated by a minimum security distance which is adapted to prevent undesirable summation effects in the pre-heating area, and then solidifying the powder material by fusing together the powder material. Apparatus for producing such three-dimensional objects is also disclosed.

2010-01-14

20100007063

Infrared solvent stripping process - A process for stripping chemically bonded spinning solvent from a solution-spun nonwoven web comprising the steps of providing a nonwoven web comprising solvent-laden polymeric fibers having average fiber diameters of less than about 1 micrometer, and transporting the nonwoven web through at least one infrared solvent stripping station wherein infrared radiation irradiates the nonwoven web in the absence of a solvent stripping fluid impinging on the nonwoven web in order to reduce the solvent concentration of the fibers to less than about 10,000 ppmw.

2010-01-14

20100007064

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING HOLLOW TUBULAR MEMBERS - A method of forming hollow tubular members may include providing a mold defining a surface corresponding to a configuration of the hollow tubular member. A fabric material may be placed in the mold for bonding with a resin to form the hollow tubular member. A bladder may be placed in the mold next to the fabric material to form a substantially air tight region around the fabric material. A pump may be used to apply a sub-atmospheric pressure in the substantially air tight region and thereby press the fabric material against the mold. The sub-atmospheric pressure may also be used to draw the resin material into the mold in contact with the fabric material. Once the resin and fabric material have adequately cured, the hollow tubular member may be removed from the mold.

2010-01-14

20100007065

Device for use in the manufacture of fiber-reinforced components - For manufacture of fiber-reinforced components, a positionable base frame is used on which a controllable holding device is provided for gripping and holding at least one reinforced fiber layer. A draping device is provided on the base frame, using which the reinforced fiber layer may be draped onto a mould core via the application of a vacuum.

WIRE INJECTION LANCE NOZZLE ASSEMBLY - A lance nozzle tip for a refractory lance for feeding an additive wire into a quantity of molten metal below the surface of the molten metal surface has a refractory casing and a conduit located within the refractory casing. The refractory casing has a nozzle portion which has a lance nozzle insert. The conduit has a first portion in the nozzle portion and a main portion having a second portion of the conduit. The first portion of the conduit has a passage extending from an inlet end of the first portion of the conduit to an outlet end of the first portion of the conduit. The passage has a diameter for a substantial portion of the length of the first portion of the conduit and a funnel-shaped portion at the inlet end of the first portion of the conduit for guiding the additive wire conveyed through the passage and second portion of the conduit.

SHEET PROCESSING APPARATUS, SHEET PROCESSING METHOD AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus includes a first supporting member which supports a sheet and drops the sheet, a second supporting member which supports the sheet dropped from the first supporting member, a stacking member which stacks sheets, a first discharge member which discharges sheet from the first supporting member to the stacking member, a second discharge member which discharges the sheet on the second supporting member to the stacking member and a control unit. The control unit controls the first discharge member to discharge the sheet one by one from the first supporting member to the stacking member or to drop the sheet to the second supporting member on the basis of a threshold value or a predetermined value different from the threshold value.

2010-01-14

20100007071

SHEET PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A sheet processing apparatus that can process a folded sheet bundle, comprising: deforming processing means configured to perform deforming processing by deforming a folded spinal portion of the folded sheet bundle to form a substantially flat portion along the folded spinal portion; and cutting means configured to cut an edge portion, opposite to the folded spinal portion, of the folded sheet bundle, wherein the distance from the folded spinal portion of a folded sheet bundle to a position to be cut by the cutting means is shorter for a folded sheet bundle A having a particular thickness and having been subjected to the deforming processing than the distance from the folded spinal portion of the folded sheet bundle to a position to be cut by the cutting means for a folded sheet bundle B not subjected to the deforming processing but having the same thickness as folded sheet bundle A.

2010-01-14

20100007072

SHEET PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - The present invention provides a sheet processing apparatus including: a conveying portion which conveys a sheet; a stacking portion which stacks the sheet conveyed by the conveying portion; a first processing unit which performs a process to the sheet at a first process position on the stacking portion; a second processing unit which performs a process to the sheet at a second process position on the stacking portion, the second process position being at the downstream side in the conveying direction of the first process position; and a controlling portion which performs positioning of the sheet at the first process position when the first processing unit performs the process to the sheet and positioning of the sheet at the second process position when the second processing unit performs the process to the sheet which is passed through the first process position without being positioned.

2010-01-14

20100007073

SHEET PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - This invention can improve the appearance quality of a pamphlet produced by suppressing a swell of a folded sheet bundle and prevent a drop in productivity without enlarging the size of a sheet processing apparatus. A sheet bundle receiving position is changed depending on a sheet size and the moving direction of the press unit is changed corresponding to the sheet size of a conveyed sheet bundle. As a consequence, the enlargement of the sheet processing apparatus can be avoided without deteriorating productivity.

2010-01-14

20100007074

SHEET FINISHING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD - A sheet finishing apparatus includes: a puncher which moves between a penetrate position and a standby position; a detection unit which detects a lateral edge of a sheet; a standby tray which supports the sheet passed through the puncher, by a pair of tray members; a lateral alignment unit which holds and aligns the sheet falling off the standby tray, by a pair of alignment boards; a moving mechanism which moves the position of the standby tray or the alignment boards in a direction orthogonal to the carrying direction of the sheet; and a control unit which measures a quantity of misalignment of the sheet by using a result of detection of the lateral edge from the detection unit and controls the moving mechanism in accordance with the quantity of misalignment.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FEEDING SHEETS TO A PROCESSING MACHINE - In a method and an apparatus for feeding sheets to a processing machine, in particular a printing press, provision is made for the sheet to be accelerated to processing speed by use of at least two acceleration stations arranged one after the other. One of the acceleration stations is arranged such that the acceleration station can be displaced in order to align the sheet.

2010-01-14

20100007077

MANUAL PAPER FEED DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - A manual paper feed device includes: a manual feed tray on which sheets are stacked; a paper feeding roller that feeds the sheets on the manual feed tray into an image forming unit; a pressing tray that is, with the sheets stacked thereon, rotatably supported and a downstream side of which in a conveying direction of the sheets is biased to the paper feeding roller side; a bias releasing member that separates and holds the pressing tray in a direction opposed to the bias direction and releases the biasing; and a sensor that detects at least one of presence or absence of the sheets on the manual feed tray and a bias releasing state of the pressing tray. The manual paper feed device prohibits paper feeding operation when the bias releasing state of the pressing tray is detected regardless of presence or absence of sheets stacked on the pressing tray.

Media Handling Device Having Media Shingling Mechanism For Providing Uniform Inter-Page Gap Between Successive Media Sheets - A media handling device includes a media shingling mechanism having a roller actuator located adjacent an upper portion of a media stack and downstream thereof relative to a predetermined direction of an uppermost sheet from the stack toward a media restraint dam located upstream thereof. The roller actuator undergoes counterclockwise rotation in response to upward moving contact by successive sheets in the upper portion of the stack against a peripheral segment of the roller actuator as the stack is moved vertically upward in a rectilinear direction toward the roller actuator. The counterclockwise rotation of the roller actuator and upward movement of the upper portion of the stack produces a lateral displacement of successive sheets toward the dam so as to produce shingling of successive sheets of the upper portion of the stack relative to one another, providing a uniform inter-page gap between successive sheets.

2010-01-14

20100007080

SHEET HANDLING DEVICE AND SHEET HANDLING METHOD - A sheet handling device includes a main transport path, a temporarily holding section provided in the main transport path, a transport section, a detection section provided at a predetermined detection position in the main transport path and a controller. The temporarily holding section includes a looped transport path. The controller performs a procedure including the steps of (I) transporting the sheet traveling along the main transport path to the looped transport path, (II) transporting another sheet along the main transport path, (III) controlling the transportation of the sheet and the transportation of said another sheet in response to the arrival of said another sheet at the detection position such that the sheets are stacked into a bunch in the looped transport path with certain parts of the sheets being aligned and (IV) repeating the steps (II) and (III) as required.

2010-01-14

20100007081

Assist mechanism and image forming apparatus - An assist mechanism aids movement of a retractable unit reciprocally moving between an open and a closed position and includes a pressing device, a stopper mechanism, an engagement member, a catch portion, and a release member. The pressing device presses the retractable unit toward the open position in which the unit is extended. The stopper mechanism controls and releases retraction of the retractable unit to the closed position in which the unit is retracted, and includes a stopper and a blocking member. The engagement member is provided in the retractable unit. The catch portion engages the engagement member. The release member releases a force pulling the retractable unit when the retractable unit is moved to the closed position.

2010-01-14

20100007082

APPARATUS FOR FEEDING AND ALIGNING SHEETS FED TO A PROCESSING MACHINE, IN PARTICULAR A PRINTING MACHINE - An apparatus for feeding and aligning sheets which are fed to a processing machine, e.g. a printing machine, includes at least two parallel transporting belts which, on a side directed toward the sheet, subject the sheet to different retaining forces, in such a way that the retaining force in outer peripheral regions is greater than in an inner region located therebetween. The transporting belts can be activated individually in dependence on the position of the sheet, and they can therefore align the sheet in its transporting direction and obliquely thereto.

SHEET FINISHING APPARATUS, SHEET PUNCHING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD - A sheet finishing apparatus includes a moving mechanism to move a puncher for boring punch holes in a sheet between a penetrate position and standby position, a detection section which is disposed upstream of the puncher in a sheet conveyance direction and detects a leading edge of the sheet, and a control section to control a moving mechanism based on a detection timing of the detection section and according to a size of the sheet and a movement speed of the sheet, so that a front corner of the sheet does not coincide with a position of a punching blade of the puncher when the sheet passes through the puncher.

2010-01-14

20100007085

Mail Sorting Machine with Improved Diverter Panel - A diverter panel comprises an elongated rectangular panel made of a substantially flat plate made of clear plastic. The plate has fasteners mounted at its front corners for mounting the panel to a frame of the sorting machine, a rear upright flange extending from the plate along the length thereof, the flange having a bottom edge which can be supported on a horizontal beam of the sorting machine. The panel is rigid enough such that vibration of the sorting machine does not cause significant movement of the panel when secured at its corners and with the rear flange supported by the beam of the sorting machine. An opening in the rear flange and an adjacent portion of the plate allows a drive shaft to pass therethrough, and a contact pad formed by an outwardly projecting portion of the rear flange is configured for engagement with a plunger of a switch.

2010-01-14

20100007086

Scratch Off Lottery Ticket Accessory - A scratch off lottery ticket accessory includes a planar surface disposed in a well between sidewalls, a bottom wall and a front wall. A tray located toward the bottom wall includes a moveable gate and a cup for retaining debris from the material scratched away from the lottery tickets. A clip biases a lottery ticket against the planar surface. A flange extends cantileveredly away from the front wall and provides a cutout to receive a merchandising hook for display purposes.

2010-01-14

20100007087

Six fold game board and method of folding game board - A six fold game board includes six generally rectangular flat panels of generally equal size serially arranged in pairs disposed adjacent to one another to define two outer pairs and one inner pair. The panels of the inner pair are joined by a fold line and the panels of the outer pair are each separated by a slit. Each panel of the outer pairs is connected to an adjacent panel of the inner pair by a fold line. As a result of this constructions, the outer panels can be folded over the adjacent inner panels and the inner panels can subsequently be folded over one another to define a folded game board having a width and length generally equal to the dimensions of one of the rectangular panels. A method of folding such a game board is also disclosed.

2010-01-14

20100007088

CARD GAMES - A card game and method of playing a card game two card being dealt to a player cards and one card being dealt to a dealer or as a common card from a pack of playing cards, the player's cards being compared to the dealer's or common card, the player winning the game if one of the player's cards is of equal or lower rank than the dealer's or common card and the other of the player's cards is of equal or higher rank than the dealer's or common card.

2010-01-14

20100007089

METAL SEAL ADJUSTABLE CASING SUB - An adjustable casing sub having an outer housing, an inner housing insertable into the outer housing, and a ratcheting system for coupling the inner housing within the outer housing. An annulus is between a portion of the inner and outer housing, the annulus including an inwardly tapered section. A metal faced seal is disposed in the annulus, wherein the metal faced seal includes a sliding surface and a compressive sealing surface. The sliding surface may include a malleable inlay and the compressive sealing surface may include a spring like element. Moreover, the metal faced seal radial thickness is greater than the inwardly tapered section radial thickness.

2010-01-14

20100007090

SEALING DEVICE - To secure stability of the stacked sealing devices, a magnetic encoder-equipped sealing device has the slinger attached to either of two relatively rotating members and the lip seal attached to the other, the slinger has a magnetic encoder at one end face in the axial direction, the lip seal is formed by attaching a seal lip to an attachment ring and is slidably in contact with the slinger, an adhesion prevention projection, formed from a rubbery elastic body, is provided on the other end face in the axial direction of the attachment ring to prevent mutual adhesion of sealing devices when they are stacked, and the adhesion prevention projection (

Labyrinth Seal for Turbine Dovetail - A labyrinth seal that may include a first leg positioned about a high-pressure side of the dovetail tab, a second leg positioned about a low-pressure side of the dovetail tab, and a labyrinth chamber positioned between the first leg and the second leg. High-pressure fluid passing through the gap about the first leg expands within the labyrinth chamber so as to limit an amount of the high-pressure fluid that passes beyond the second leg.

2010-01-14

20100007093

Seal Assembly and Rotary Machine Containing Such Seal - A seal assembly which, among other applications, may be used for sealing fluid leakage between a steam or combustion (gas) turbine rotor and a turbine stator body. The seal assembly includes elements having a plurality of spaced leaf seal members with slots therebetween. Each leaf seal member is angled out-of-plane between a fixed end and a free end thereof, and the free ends slidably engage the rotatable component. A support may be provided supporting the free end such that it contacts a distal end of the support in an operative state and is out of contact with the distal end in an inoperative state. Seal members may include two different materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion. In one embodiment at least one damping leaf can be provided on a low pressure side of a leaf seal member.

2010-01-14

20100007094

HOLDING SEALING MATERIAL, EXHAUST GAS PURIFYING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING EXHAUST GAS PURIFYING APPARATUS - A holding sealing material has a mat shape and includes an adsorption portion, a holding portion, and a coupling portion. The adsorption portion is configured to adsorb urea and has a width and a longer side face extending along a longitudinal direction of the holding sealing material. The holding portion is configured to hold an exhaust gas treating body and has another width and another longer side face extending along the longitudinal direction. The width of the adsorption portion is smaller than the width of the holding portion. The longer side face of the adsorption portion faces the longer side face of the holding portion via a space. The coupling portion connects the adsorption portion and the holding portion.

2010-01-14

20100007095

CYLINDER HEAD GASKET WITH DUCT - A metal-elastomer cylinder head gasket has, in addition to one or more sealing layers made of metal, at least one combustion chamber seal and an elastomer seal which runs around the combustion chamber seal. Through ducts which are arranged in the plane of the cylinder head gasket, I addition, for example in the case of the engine block being filled with cooling fluid, a degassing is made possible, so that a discharging of air and/or gas remaining in the system is made possible into a fluid passage by means of the ducts.

2010-01-14

20100007096

Spring Seal for Turbine Dovetail - A spring seal system for a turbine dovetail tab. The spring seal system may include a sealing slot positioned about the tab and a spring seal positioned within the sealing slot. The spring seal may include a substantial “U” shape.

2010-01-14

20100007097

Resilient High Pressure Metal-to-Metal Seal and Method - A high pressure metal-to-metal seal utilizes an expandable metal seal element able to withstand caustic fluids, high pressure, and high temperature. The metal-to-metal seal assembly is resilient for repeatable sealing and comprises an energizing metal ring and a metal sealing ring. Engagement of these two rings expands surfaces of the metal sealing ring to create inner and/or outer metal-to-metal seals.

2010-01-14

20100007098

RAPIDLY DEPLOYABLE TEMPORARY MODULAR STRUCTURES AND COMPONENT ELEMENTS THEREOF - Modular structural components and structural connections including chords and forming strips. Each chord has a generally elongated square main body of four main walls surrounding a central bore and having a T-slot structure adapted to accept a bolt type fastener extending along each exterior main surface. Each forming strip is an elongated plate formed into strip segments oriented at right angles to each other and forming a W-shaped corner region, a face region with a bolt hole and an attachment region, each region forming a mating bearing surface with a surface of a chord.

2010-01-14

20100007099

BONDING OF SILICONE GASKETS AND SYSTEMS CONTAINING BONDED SILICONE GASKETS - A method of bonding an electrically conductive silicone gasket includes activating selected surfaces of the electrically conductive silicone gasket, applying a sealant having a corrosion inhibitor to at least a portion of the activated selected surfaces, and curing the sealant to thereby bond the electrically conductive silicone gasket with a substrate.

Shank Attachment Structure - A shank attachment structure which may supply coolant even if a drill without a center pin is attached. A shank can be attached to a shank attachment hole with a single motion. The outer diameter of the shank can be inserted into the shank attachment hole. A chamfered portion is formed around an edge of a base end, and an elongated concave portion is formed on a tip end. A coolant hole is formed on a base end of the shank attachment hole, and a valve body is disposed in the hole. A sealing member is disposed adjacent to the tip end side. A first sleeve is disposed such that a base of the shank moves the first sleeve, so that a base of the sleeve separates from the sealing member; and when the shank is not in contact with the tip, an outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve moves the engaging member radially outwardly.

2010-01-14

20100007102

BIT HOLDER - A bit holder includes a shank, and a bit sleeve. The shank has a first end portion of a non-circular geometric equiangular cross-section for combining a hand tool, and a second end portion formed with a combining hole having female threads in its wall. The bit sleeve has a through hole for a bit to extend therein, male threads and a circular circumference. The bit sleeve is combined with the shank by engagement of the male threads with the female threads, and the bit sleeve may be rotated to fix with or loosen from the shank by an auxiliary tool for changing the bit. In assembling, the bit is inserted through the through hole of the bit sleeve, and then the male threads of the bit sleeve are engaged with the female threads of the shank by an auxiliary tool fitted with the circular circumference and rotated to keep the bit combined with the shank, with the bit sleeve pressing the bit so as to minimize the tolerance of the gap between them, thus enabling the bit to drive a screw smoothly into an object.

2010-01-14

20100007103

Actuator for Active Roll Control System - An actuator for an active roll control system that connects a stabilizer bar with a lower arm may include a screw housing having a space, a power transmitter slidably mounted in an upper interior circumference of the screw housing, and having an upper end portion connected to one end of the stabilizer bar and a lower end portion slidably movable in the space wherein the lower end portion of the power transmitter includes a screw groove and a screw thread is formed at an interior circumference of an inlet portion, a lead screw being inserted in the screw groove of the power transmitter and threaded to the screw thread of the inlet portion and having a screw rotation shaft integrally connected to a lower end thereof, and a drive motor mounted at a lower portion of the screw housing and having a rotation shaft connected to the screw rotation shaft.

2010-01-14

20100007104

MOBILITY DEVICE FOR AMPUTEE AND LEG-INJURED PERSONS - An amputee mobility device includes a wheeled frame, and seat with webbed pocket for receiving an amputated leg. The seat is adjustable height adjustable, as is the pocket for customizing to individuals. Adjustable handles allow amputees to move themselves, or allow a helper to push like a wheelchair. In one form, the frame includes front and rear articulated subframes. In another form, the wheeled frame forms an elongated rigid frame, with two fixed-axle wheels and two rear-located steerable wheels and one front-located steerable wheel. In another form, the frame includes two fixed-axle wheels and two steerable wheels arranged to function somewhat like a wheeled walking cane. Optional features include outriggers for leg protection, a foldable frame for compact storage and shipment, bicycle-like lockable hand brakes, a seat without aperture for supporting a lower leg extending horizontally, storage shelves, and cup holders.

2010-01-14

20100007105

ROLLER SKATES WITH TRANSVERSE-ORIENTED WHEELS - A roller skate includes a boot and at least a pair of wheels that are mounted to an underside of the boot. The wheels are oriented at an acute or perpendicular angle to the traditional straight ahead longitudinal direction of the boot so that, in use, the user moves at least somewhat laterally when skating. The orientation of the wheels can be adjusted with a lock-down device being used to fix the wheels in a desired orientation.

2010-01-14

20100007106

MULTI-USE CHILD SEATING APPARATUS - A multi-use child seating apparatus is provided for attachment to a number of frame structures, including a shopping cart, a table, a walker unit, a child activity center, and the like. A seating unit includes a seating frame and a flexible seat for receiving a child in a seated position therein. A mounting mechanism attached to the seating frame is adapted for mounting the seating apparatus to a frame structure, such as the handlebar of a shopping cart, and at least one connector is provided to secure the seating apparatus to the frame structure and brace the seating unit from movement when a child is seated in the flexible seat. A plurality of legs may be movably connected to the seating frame and moved to a deployed position to engage a frame structure, such as a table, to further secure the seating apparatus to the frame structure.

2010-01-14

20100007107

Hand truck having arrangement for mounting on a carrier of bicycle after handles retracting - A hand truck includes handles; a ledge comprising a cavity; a fastening device comprising a quick release and a clamp; and a locking device comprising a hollow first section including an opening on either side, a hollow second section releasably put on the first section, the second section including an opening on either side, the openings being in registration to each other, a block member in the first section and including a transverse channel aligned with the openings and the cavity, a sliding lock pin in the cavity, the openings, and the channel to lock the first and second sections, the lock pin having a projection in the channel, a depressible shuttle member in the first section and including a hook partially disposed in the block member, and an inclined slot in the hook with the projection disposed therein, and an actuation rod releasably secured to the shuttle member.

2010-01-14

20100007108

Steering Stopper Unit for Vehicle - A steering stopper unit for vehicle includes a stopper that is disposed to a knuckle and a stopper bracket that corresponds to the stopper and is disposed to a lower arm that is rotatably connected with a lower portion of the knuckle, and includes a stopper plate, which is hingedly engaged with an end of the stopper bracket, selectively contacts a forward side or rearward side of the stopper bracket, and has a predetermined thickness.

2010-01-14

20100007109

Tilting Wheeled Vehicle - A tilting, preferably three-wheeled, vehicle is disclosed that has a tilting mechanism that allows the vehicle to have leaning characteristics substantially similar to those offered by an in-line two-wheeled vehicle, but that does not require complex linkages and/or control systems to operate effectively. A tilting linkage is operably secured to a frame to allow a pair of spaced apart wheels to remain substantially aligned with the plane of the vehicle throughout its range of movement while still allowing the steering axes of each wheel to intersect the substantially vertical centerline of each wheel. The linkage also allows the caster angle of each wheel's pivot axis can be optimized independently of the angle of the vehicle's handlebar steering shaft.

2010-01-14

20100007110

Linkage-type air suspension system - A linkage-type air suspension system for supporting either a front steer axle or a rear drive axle includes a lower structure assembly which combines the lower control rods, a transverse rod and a stabilizer control system which functions as a single structure. The transverse control system includes a pair of lower beams which have one end thereof pivotally connected to mounting brackets secured to the frame members of the vehicle by pivot bearings. The other ends of the lower beams are pivotally connected to axle and wheel supports. A transverse control is secured to and extends between the lower beams.

2010-01-14

20100007111

PERSONAL VEHICLE - A skateboard-like personal vehicle comprises a platform, a pair of steerable front wheels controlled by an upright steering lever movable left or right about a longitudinal pivot axis by one hand of the rider, a pair of rear wheels, one of which is driven by a reciprocable foot pedal, and an upright post which can be gripped by the rider's other hand.

2010-01-14

20100007112

BRAKE SYSTEM AND METHOD AND TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE USING THE SAME - In the specification and drawing a new brake system and a two-wheeled vehicle using the same are described. The new brake system includes a first brake to apply a first brake force on a first wheel of a vehicle and transfers the first brake force to physically actuate a second brake to brake a second wheel of the vehicle. A new-designed cantilever brake is disclosed to transfer the first brake force to actuate the second brake.

2010-01-14

20100007113

Rear suspension system for bicycles - A rear suspension system for bicycles includes a front triangle, a rear triangle and a shock absorbing unit pivotably connected between the front and rear triangles to allow the rear triangle to move at a regulated rate with regard to the front triangle. The seatstays of the rear triangle have two dropouts and two extension portions on two opposite ends thereof. The two dropouts each have a notch for engaging with a rear wheel shaft. The extension portions are pivotably connected to the shock absorbing unit and the front triangle. The chainstays have two respectively first ends thereof pivotably to the dropouts at two pivot points and two respective second ends pivotably connected to the seat tube. The pivot points are located above or on a line between a center of the bottom bracket and a center of the notches in the dropouts.

2010-01-14

20100007114

WHEELCHAIR - A wheelchair comprises a frame and first and second rear wheels that are each independently mounted to the frame via a respective mounting hub. Each rear wheel is detachably mounted to its respective mounting hub at two or more distinct hub mounting points. Either or both of the hub mounting points can be movable with respect to a remainder of the hub, for example via a pivoting arrangement. A disk can be positioned at the rear wheel and a stop element located at the mounting hub can be selectively operated to interfere with the disk to prevent rotation of that rear wheel. The frame can comprise first and second spaced apart and unitary tubes which each extending in an unbroken manner from a wheelchair seat to a wheelchair forward region.

2010-01-14

20100007115

Motorcycle Grip Pad, System, Motorcycle and Riding Apparel therefor - A motorcycle grip pad comprises a base layer of elastomeric material having spaced bumps on a top surface. An adhesive layer is on a bottom surface. The area of the pad is between 1000 and 4000 mm2. A motorcycle grip system also includes a reaction patch of relatively rigid material having apertures spaced and arranged in the same way as the bumps on the pad. The patch is adapted for connection to a motorcycle rider's suit (

2010-01-14

20100007116

Maximum Security/Maximum Versatility Ball Mount Assembly - The maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly provides an assembly for securing a ball mount or other accessory shank to a receiver hitch on automotive vehicles, tractors, ATVs, and other vehicles equipped with a receiver-type hitch. As the shank of a hitch accessory or implement is inserted into a receiver, dual retractable hitch pins automatically engage the receiver when the pins align with the two hitch-pin apertures in the receiver tube, thereby securing the ball mount/accessory's shank to the vehicle's receiver. A shank end cap shields the hitch pin assembly's internal components from dirt and/or rust particles, and the end cap also serves as an innovative and useful alignment aid when inserting the shank into a vehicle's receiver.

2010-01-14

20100007117

Adaptable Trailer Drawbar Assembly - A drawbar assembly includes a shank that can slidingly engage a first hitch receiver having an interior opening with a first size, which may be a class I receiver with a one and one-quarter inch square opening and provisions for a one-half inch hitch pin. First and second adapter parts, each having two sides forming a right angle, are removably coupled to the shank on opposite sides. The drawbar assembly can slidingly engage a second hitch receiver having an interior opening with a second size, which may be a class III receiver with a two inch square opening and provisions for a five-eighths inch hitch pin. A threaded hitch pin may clamp the drawbar assembly to the receiver.

VEHICLE SEAT UNIT - A side airbag unit for a vehicle seat including a generally cylindrical gas generator unit having a longitudinal axis. The vehicle seat has a backrest with a front surface and a side surface. In order to achieve the result that the airbag requires little additional space and nevertheless is relatively easy to mount on the vehicle seat, the longitudinal axis extends generally parallel to the front surface and perpendicular to the side surface of the vehicle seat.

2010-01-14

20100007120

KNEE-PROTECTING AIRBAG APPARATUS - The knee-protecting airbag apparatus is mounted on a lower region of a column cover covering a steering column of vehicle projecting rearward from an instrument panel. The airbag (

2010-01-14

20100007121

Side curtain airbag - A module comprising a packaged airbag, wherein the airbag is configured to deploy on an interior side of a vehicle in a curtain arrangement; wherein the airbag is packaged so that the bottom of the airbag is folded then rolled in an outboard direction; and wherein the packaged airbag includes a folded portion located above the outboard rolled portion; and wherein the top portion is folded along a longitudinally extending crease to create a folded section located adjacent and outboard the rolled and folded sections. A module further comprising a Z-shaped folded portion above the outboard rolled portion, a second fold of the bottom portion in the outboard direction, a Z-shaped fold located between the bottom and top portions of the airbag, an inflator system, a plurality of mounting straps, and at least one tether on each of the fore and aft ends of the module.

2010-01-14

20100007122

AUTOMOTIVE SEAT FOAM PAD ASSEMBLY - An automotive seat back foam pad assembly includes a seat back foam pad and a panel. The seat back foam pad is configured to receive a seat back frame and includes a side pocket. The side pocket has a sidewall portion and is configured to receive an air bag module. The panel is attached to the sidewall portion and attachable with the seat back frame. The panel is configured to maintain integrity of the sidewall portion during air bag module deployment.

2010-01-14

20100007123

Gas Generator for a Safety System - A gas generator for a safety system includes an explosible charge formed at least by a primary pyrotechnic compound, in a first chamber initiated by at least one initiator provided with a reinforcing charge and a secondary compound, in a second chamber, the decomposition of which is entailed by products of combustion of the primary compound, an interaction of the products of combustion of the primary compound and those of the secondary compound through an oxidation-reduction reaction occurring in a slightly confined volume, the first chamber communicating with said second chamber through a central nozzle and said second chamber being provided, at a first zone close to said first chamber, with orifices that discharge the gases and contain, in a second zone, said secondary compound; and means forming an obstacle to the passage of the gases installed in said second chamber between said first and second zones, said obstacle-forming means allowing the gases to pass into a central part and forming an obstacle to their passage into a peripheral part with sufficient transparency for the gas interaction volume to be slightly confined.

VARIABLE LOAD LIMITING DEVICE FOR SEATBELT RETRACTOR TO REDUCE OCCUPANT INJURY - A variable load limiting device for a vehicle safety belt assembly is provided for controllably restraining a vehicle occupant by the vehicle safety belt assembly during deceleration of a vehicle. The device includes a body including a fluid chamber for containing a free-flowing fluid therein. A wiper assembly is operably disposed in the fluid chamber and selectively coupled to the vehicle safety belt assembly. The wiper assembly creates a pressure differential within the fluid chamber when a force in excess of a predetermined value is applied to the vehicle safety belt assembly. A throttle valve is operably connected to the body for controlling fluid pressure in the fluid chamber.

BUILD A BOOK - A method for assembling a scrapbook by selecting a set of non-traditional shaped components and assembling same into a final product is provided. The component for assembling may be displayed in either a paper media, or an electronic media.

Vestine motif unique bookmarks - The adjustable bookmark is an original hand-crafted design that attaches to any size hard cover and paperback book. The bookmark design is unique as to how it securely fits and adjusts around books. This bookmark design consists of a minimum of three ribbons to fit between multiple pages of a book. This unique design allows for various styles, colors, and themes which appeals to its user.

Display apparatus for file index - A display apparatus that can be positioned within a file cabinet, a file drawer, a hanging file and/or any other suitable file index system. A container is formed by the sheet material. The container has an edge panel forming at least one releasable tab. Each tab can be released or positioned away from an outer surface of the edge panel. A label sheet or label assembly has printable labels and at least one identification label. The identification label has or displays an identifier that corresponds to a particular design parameter of the label sheet. The identification label can be attached to the tab. The container can house one or more label sheets.

AXIALLY MOVEABLE SPOOL CONNECTOR - A connector spool system for connecting a first component and a second component of an industrial compression system includes a connector spool having a substantially cylindrical shape. The spool includes an axial end and a flange at the axial end, the flange defining a radial surface for positioning proximate the first component. A spacer is positioned between the flange of the spool and the first component, the spacer including radial surfaces for providing uniform compressive force transmission between the spool and the first component.

Fiberglass Pipe-shaped Insulator and Method of Manufacturing the Same - A fiberglass pipe-shaped insulator and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The high-density fiberglass pipe-shaped insulator is manufactured by preparing a fiberglass needle mat formed at opposite sides thereof with cutting faces at unaligned positions, at least one surface of the fiberglass needle mat being coated with a binder prepared by mixing and agitating organic and inorganic substances, a fire retardant and water and selectively mixing and agitating a water repellent with the resultant mixture; press-forming the fiberglass needle mat using a press roller in a state wherein the fiberglass needle mat is wound on a forming roller; drying a press-formed fiberglass pipe-shaped insulator prior to separating the insulator from the forming roller; performing center cutting on the fiberglass pipe-shaped insulator; attaching an aluminum glass cross tape throughout an outer circumferential surface of the pipe-shaped insulator; and performing side cutting on the fiberglass pipe-shaped insulator.

2010-01-14

20100007136

NOVEL LOCKING PIPE JOINT AND A METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - The present invention provides a novel locking pipe joint for use in fluid-carrying pipe systems. The locking pipe joint of the present invention provides a system of joints that will withstand the stresses and forces imposed on a pipe system carrying fluids during filed conditions. The joint is constructed on a push-fit principle. Sealing rings are used to make the joint leak-proof. Splines are provided to sustain the longitudinal forces imposed on the joint, and longitudinal ribs are provided on the outer surface of the jointed pipes to withstand the torsional loads. The joint is simple in its construction, easy to assemble in field and cost effective.

HOSE CONNECTOR WITH TORSIONAL DECOUPLING - A hose connector, in particular for exhaust pipes of motor vehicles includes a flexible line element, for example a metal bellows which is supported at one end face in the support member of an attachment carrier with torsional degree of freedom. A tension element is provided by which the line element can be maintained under pretension against the support member of the attachment carrier.

2010-01-14

20100007139

COUPLER FOR CONNECTING METAL AND PLASTIC PIPES - The coupler is provided that has two ends or openings. On one end, the coupler is adapted for receiving a stainless steel pipe. The stainless steel pipe fits inside or into one end of the coupler and is securely and tightly held inside the coupler by a snap lock. An O-ring rests against the end of the stainless steel pipe and forms a seal when the stainless steel pipe is inserted into the coupler. On the other end, the coupler is adapted for receiving a plastic or PVC pipe. The plastic pipe fits inside a recessed opening of the coupler, and is securely and tightly held inside the coupler by a clamp lock or by glue. An O-ring rests against the end of the plastic pipe and forms a seal when the plastic pipe is inserted into the coupler.

2010-01-14

20100007140

CRIMP FITTING FOR CORRUGATED STAINLESS STEEL TUBING - A fitting incorporating a crimp sealing device and a method of forming a seal between a length of corrugated tubing and the fitting are provided. A sealing crimp is formed over at least one corrugation of the tubing, where the sealing crimp can utilize a preformed bend or bulge to form a crimp and seal. Alternatively, the sealing crimp can apply pressure radially against an outer sleeve of the fitting, such that at least one corrugation of the tubing is compressed axially or radially to form a primary seal. The outer sleeve also can include one or more gaskets arranged between the outer sleeve and the tubing for forming a secondary seal. An inner sleeve can be received radially inside the outer sleeve, and one or more gaskets can be arranged between the inner sleeve and the tubing. Further, a jacket crimp can be applied against an end of the sleeve member to contact a jacket that at least partially covers the tubing.

PIPE JOINTS - An inlet hole capable of inserting a pipe thereinto is formed in a pipe joint body along an axis. Retainer attaching holes for attaching with a retainer that prevents detachment of the pipe are formed in a side surface of the pipe joint body to extend therethrough. These retainer attaching holes are configured symmetrically with respect to an X axis passing through a center of the inlet hole as a symmetrical axis. Thus, a circumference of the inlet hole opens symmetrically, so that the heat shrinkage condition after molding is equalized in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, it is not necessary to process a molding pin for the inlet hole with imbalance of heat shrinkage amount in mind, so that the molding pin becomes easy to process. In addition, the retainer can selectively utilize the retainer attaching holes at two positions, so that selective use depending on installation environment can be achieved.

2010-01-14

20100007143

CONNECTING ASSEMBLY - A connecting assembly for connecting a pipe with a connecting element having a conical bore is disclosed. The assembly includes: a longitudinal axis; a pipe having a pipe end configured for insertion in the conical bore; a supporting ring having first and second retaining surfaces; a union nut for screwing on threads of the connecting element and forming a tensioning surface; a cutting ring; and a collar disposed between the first pipe end and the first retaining face. The cutting ring is seated in the conical bore of the supporting ring and provided with a pressure surface for the impingement of force by the tensioning surface of the union nut, and has at least one first cutting edge. A collar bulge is provided on the outer surface face of the pipe can be formed when the first cutting edge cuts into the pipe. The outer diameter of the collar bulge is larger than the smallest support ring internal diameter.

2010-01-14

20100007144

VERTICAL AXIS WIND SYSTEM - A vertical axis wind system for use in electrical power generation. The system includes a stationary base including a generator and has an elongate shaft rotatably coupled the base. The elongate shaft extends vertically from a lower end to an upper end along a vertical central axis and engages the generator. At least two arcuate blade assemblies are attached between the lower end and the upper end of the elongate shaft such that aerodynamic forces acting on the at least two arcuate blade assemblies rotate the elongate shaft for the generation of power.

2010-01-14

20100007145

STALL CONTROLLER AND TRIGGERING CONDITION CONTROL FEATURES FOR A WIND TURBINE - Control features for a wind turbine that control the turbine over a range of wind speeds and under triggering conditions with reduced noise, cost, and reliability issues associated with other such controls. Control is accomplished via control electronics, which adjust the torque produced by the electrical output generation device (e.g., alternator) within the wind turbine. During normal operation, torque is adjusted for optimum aerodynamic performance and maximum output of power. In winds above rated power, the control circuit regulates torque to lower aerodynamic performance, as necessary to maintain desired power level output. In triggering conditions, such as during simultaneous control circuit failure and loss of some portion of the electrical output generation device in extreme winds, wind turbine control is accomplished by increasing torque (e.g., via a separate controller) from the electrical output generation device via shorting of windings, so as to cause retardation of blade rotation.

2010-01-14

20100007146

Method And Apparatus For Generating Electrical Power - A superheater in a power plant that superheats steam to operation conditions exceeding an operating limit of an associated steam-producing boiler. The superheater combusts oxygen and fuel with cooled recycled combustion gas to produce a CO

UNDERWATER DUCTED TURBINE - An apparatus is disclosed for a turbine for generating electrical power from water or air flow comprising at least one rotor disk having a plurality of hydrofoil blades, guide vanes, a cylindrical housing, and a generator means. A rim generator comprising a magnet race rotor rim and fixed stator coils in the housing is used. The apparatus is fitted with a screen to stop the ingress of debris and marine life, and a skirt augmenter device to reduce the Betz effect. The apparatus is preferably for sub-sea deployment and driven by tidal currents, but may be powered by river current or wave driven air or by wind. The apparatus may be deployed on at least one telescoping pole, tethered to the sea-bed and kept buoyant by buoyant concrete in the housing, or inserted in a darn, under a barge or in a tidal power array.

2010-01-14

20100007149

SPACEFRAME WIND TURBINE ENERGY CONVERTER STRUCTURE - A wind turbine is disclosed that includes a spaceframe mounted atop a support structure. The spaceframe houses and is integrated with a wind turbine drivetrain. The spaceframe transfers primary rotor loads and drivetrain torque to the support structure.

2010-01-14

20100007150

TRANSMISSION AND POWER GENERATION SYSTEM HAVING TORQUE REACTING JOINT - A transmission, including a gear-train and an outer housing enclosing the gear-train, the outer housing including a torque reacting joint coupling a first section of the transmission to a second section of the outer housing, the torque reacting joint including mating indents between the first and second sections.

2010-01-14

20100007151

INTERNAL LUBRICATION FOR A GEARBOX, A POWER-GENERATING WIND TURBINE SYSTEM, AND A POWER-GENERATING SYSTEM - A gearbox including a gear-train including an input and an output and a rotating conduit internally traversing the gear-train is provided. The rotating conduit is configured to receive lubrication fluid from one or more components downstream of the rotating conduit and deliver lubrication fluid to one or more components upstream of the rotating conduit. The components downstream of the rotating conduit rotate at a different speed than components upstream of the rotating conduit.

2010-01-14

20100007152

SAIL EMBEDDED DRAWTUBE ARRAYS - An apparatus for converting an airflow into mechanical or electrical energy is provided. The apparatus may include a hollow column defining a longitudinal axis and a sail member coupled to the hollow column. The sail member may be configured to be exposed to the airflow. The sail member may define at least one slot positioned proximate the hollow column and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of drawtubes may be disposed within the at least one slot. Each drawtube may include a leading edge member positioned adjacent to an opening at a first end of a tubular member. The tubular member may be fluidly coupled to the hollow column. An energy conversion device may be configured to convert air drawn through the hollow column into mechanical or electrical energy.

2010-01-14

20100007154

EXIT DEVICE - An exit device includes a housing, a latchbolt coupled to and movable relative to the housing, and an auxiliary bolt coupled to the housing and movable relative to the latchbolt. The exit device also includes a deadlock link coupled to the housing and movable relative to the latchbolt and the auxiliary bolt between a first position, in which the deadlock link allows movement of the latchbolt relative to the housing, and a second position, in which the deadlock link inhibits movement of the latchbolt relative to the housing. The exit device further includes a spring biasing the auxiliary bolt into engagement with a portion of the deadlock link to move the deadlock link toward the first position.

2010-01-14

20100007155

FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An exemplary foldable electronic device includes a first cover, a second cover coupled to the first cover and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a hooking portion disposed on the first cover and a latching portion formed on the second cover. The hooking portion has a hook, the latching portion has a latching slot, an unlatching slot, and a sliding slot connecting the latching slot and the unlatching slot. The hook is deformable to capable of latching the latching slot or unlatching from the latching portion when sliding to the unlatching slot along the sliding slot.

2010-01-14

20100007156

Glove box striker with box clip attachment feature - The present invention provides a striker with a box clip feature. The striker may be mounted to a support structure for engagement with a latch mechanism. The striker may include a body for mounting to a support structure, such as an instrument panel in a vehicle. The striker may include a latch bar capable of engaging the latch mechanism. The striker may also include a locating feature that may aid in alignment within the support structure for quick assembly. The box clip feature may include an aperture that is capable of connecting said body to the support structure.

2010-01-14

20100007157

LATCH ASSEMBLY FOR BI-FOLD DOORS - A latch assembly for locking one or more bi-fold doors in a frame which has a bracket for pivotably securing the latch assembly in a selected position relative to the doors and frame; and the latch assembly has a stepped bar having an intermediate section pivotally arranged in the bracket, a latching leg extending outwardly from the bracket perpendicular to the intermediate section and a handle leg extending outwardly from said bracket perpendicular to the intermediate section remote from the latching leg, whereby pivotal manipulation of the handle leg causes the latching leg to latch or unlatch the door in the frame.

2010-01-14

20100007158

DETACHABLE HANDLE FOR COOKING CONTAINER - A detachable handle for a cooking container. The detachable handle includes a body having a first end with a grasping surface, a cover coupled to a top surface of the body, a movable member movable by a predetermined distance on the top surface of the body and forming a grasping portion that defines with the grasping surface a gap in which a flange portion of a cooking container is inserted, and an operating unit allowing the movable member to slide and fix and release the flange portion of the cooking container.